Note: London period. from 14 May 1902

103.
9/V [1902, Zurich].

Dear Vladimir Ilyich and Yuly Osipovich!

I did not reply to you right away because I was waiting for the manuscript about the cutoffs from Plekhanov. But I have not received it so far and, it seems, will not receive it, since Plekhanov has probably already sent it to you. But, I think, that is not important — everything I could have said, you both already know. I do not know why Y. O. [Martov] concluded that I objected more than anyone else to the article. I did object, but the article as a whole I found "splendid," as I expressed myself in the presence of V. Iv. [Zasulich], Plekhanov, and, it seems, Y. O. [Martov]. It was precisely the article on the cutoffs that pleased me especially. But that certain passages spoiled it considerably — that too is undoubtedly true. Probably more than anyone else I objected to your fear, Vladimir Ilyich, of employing kind-sounding words with regard to the semi-feudal peasantry, although you do propose beneficial measures. I see some sort of mania in you on this point. *In the Programme* you are against formulations that are far too dry-theoretical, devoid of any agitational element, but in the propagandistic-agitational pamphlet you artificially clothe your thoughts in bookish formulas of doctrine, so soon as the matter touches peasants.

10/V.

I did not finish the letter, that is, I put off the conclusion, but today already toward evening I received the manuscript from Plekhanov. Now it is almost 10 o'clock — and I have managed to read only about a third of it, and glanced through the remarks of G[eorg] Plekhanov. It must be,

P. B. AXELROD — TO V. I. LENIN AND Y. O. MARTOV.